European Directives

European Directives serve a dual function. They provide the basis for the free movement of goods within the single European Market and guarantee a high level of protection to European Union workers and citizens.

The 28 Member countries of the European Union have agreed to abide by various Directives to achieve “harmonisation” providing the basis for the free movement of goods within the single European Market and guarantee a high level of protection to EU workers and citizens. The New Approach Directives were conceived in 1985 and were designed to simplify this harmonisation by reducing the technical content clearly defining agreed minimum “Essential Requirements”. Compliance with the essential requirements is normally indicated by the application of the CE Mark.

The Health and Safety at Work Directive is a “framework” directive forming the nucleus for other New Approach Directives related to safety in industry.
The Machinery Directive can be seen as a “parent” directive supported by a number of other "daughter" directives, which may be applied independently, or in support of Machinery Directive.
These “daughter” directives to the Machinery Directive include:-

Compliance with these directives, as appropriate, is required for all new machines and equipment placed in the European Market accompanied by the appropriate documentation and indicated (in most cases) by a CE Mark.